RPG-26

The RPG-26 Aglen is a disposable anti-tank rocket launcher developed by the Soviet Union. It fires a single-stage rocket with jack-knife fins, which unfold after launch. The rocket carries a 72.5 millimetres (2.85 in) diameter high explosive anti-tank single shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating 440 millimetres (17 in) of armour, 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) of reinforced concrete or 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) of brickwork. It has a maximum effective range of around 250 metres (820 ft). The similar sized rocket features a slightly heavier and more powerful HEAT warhead and more powerful rocket engine. The limited extension of the RPG-22 launch tube was found of little use. Therefore the RPG-26 has a rigid non-telescoping launch tube.

RPG-26
An RPG-26 in a museum
TypeDisposable Anti-tank rocket launcher
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1985–present
Used byRussian Ground Forces
Wars
Production history
DesignerState Research and Production Enterprise, Bazalt
Designed1980s
ManufacturerState Research and Production Enterprise, Bazalt
Produced1985–present
VariantsRShG-2
Specifications
Mass
  • 1.8 kilograms (4.0 lb) (projectile)
  • 2.9 kilograms (6.4 lb) (loaded)
Length77 centimetres (30 in)
Caliber72.5 mm
Action
  • 440 mm: RHA
  • 1000 mm: Reinforced concrete
  • 1500 mm: Brickwork
  • 2400 mm: Log and earth
Muzzle velocity144 m/s (470 ft/s)
Effective firing range250 m (270 yd)
SightsIron sights

Variants

RShG-2

The RShG-2 (Russian: Реактивная Штурмовая Граната, Reaktivnaya Shturmovaya Granata, Rocket-propelled Assault Grenade ) Aglen-2 (Аглень-2) is a RPG-26 variant with thermobaric warhead. RShG-2 is heavier than the RPG-26 at 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb) and has a reduced direct fire range of 115 metres (377 ft). It is intended to be used against infantry and structures rather than armored vehicles.

The warhead contains 1.16 kilograms (2.6 lb) of thermobaric mixture, with an explosive yield roughly equal to that of 3 kilograms (6.6 lb) of TNT. The solid rocket booster of the warhead in question was taken from the RPG-26 and the fuse taken from the TBG-7 warhead used by the RPG-7. The warhead has a stated penetration capability of 300 millimetres (12 in) of concrete and 500 millimetres (20 in) of brickwork.

RPG-26 (second from the bottom) with comparable Soviet/Russian rocket launchers

Operators


Current operators

Former operators

References
  1. "Российское оружие в Армении" [Russian weapons in Armenia]. Независимая газета (in Russian). 2018-08-10. Archived from the original on 2022-03-28. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
  2. "SDC Delta : Small Arms" (PDF). STC Delta. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-01-29. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
  3. "Single-shot Grenade Launcher PDM-1". STC Delta. Archived from the original on 2017-12-29. Retrieved 2017-12-29.
  4. Ferguson, Jonathan; Jenzen-Jones, N.R. (November 2014). Raising Red Flags: An Examination of Arms & Munitions in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine, 2014 (PDF). Research Report 3. Armament Research Services. pp. 26, 48. ISBN 978-0-9924624-3-7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-03-02. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
  5. Toumaj, Amir (2016-10-14). "Russian influence evident in Palestinian militia in Syria". Long War Journal. Archived from the original on 2022-03-28. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
  6. "Маленькая и малобоеспособная | Еженедельник «Военно-промышленный курьер»". vpk-news.ru. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  7. Calibre Obscura (2022-02-28). "UA SoF ambushing Russian tanks, feat. the invaluable RPG-26". Twitter. Retrieved 2022-04-02.

Further reading
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